EU envoys reaffirm vow to support Mindanao peace process, dev’t

The European Union (EU) ambassadors reiterated their commitment to support the peace process and development in Mindanao as they visited Cotabato City on Tuesday.

“Our visit to Mindanao demonstrates the EU’s continuous support for the Mindanao peace process and development in the region,” EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said in a statement.

“While there are still many challenges which lie ahead, we remain hopeful that peace and stability will be restored soon in Mindanao,” he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

The ambassador also urged peace stakeholders to remain steadfast with their commitment to rebuild the southern island.

“We call on peace stakeholders to remain steadfast with their commitment to help push for peacebuilding in Southern Philippines,” Jessen said.

The EU and its member states said they visited Cotabato to “promote the culture of peace.”

“The EU’s DNA is peace,” Jessen said.

During the tour, the group of Ambassadors said they met with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, and groups such as the United Nations Mindanao Humanitarian Team, the International Monitoring Team (IMT), and nongovernment and civil society organizations in Mindanao.

The EU said its funding is targeting support for increasing inclusiveness through various information and consultation activities, demining and education related to mine risks, monitoring through the Third Party Monitoring Team and protection of human rights.

Responding to appeals for help, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is extending its relief to victims of the attacks in Marawi City

Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860.

Inquiries may be addressed to Inquirer’s Corporate Affairs office through Connie Kalagayan at 897-4426, ckalagayan@inquirer.com.ph and Bianca Kasilag-Macahilig at 897-8808 local 352, bkasilag@inquirer.com.ph.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.